Choosing a restaurant to eat at in Atlantic City can be overwhelming for visitors.

Like any major city, Atlantic City restaurants can be hit or miss, and visitors can be subjected to less-than-desirable dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy steak, Asian, Italian, Mexican, or anything in between; Atlantic City has a restaurant for you. We’ve taken some of the guess work out of choosing places to eat for travelers, by narrowing down our top 5 favorite places to eat.

Bobby Flay Steak for the Juiciest Steak in Town

Located in the beautiful Borgata Atlantic City, patrons are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Furnishing the dining area using materials such as wood and leather, designers have created the perfect balance of cozy and welcoming, while still remaining chic and modern. Dine in luxury, as Food Network star Bobby Flay excites the pallet with his regionally selected steaks, coated in his signature rubs. The full lobster bar is a favorite among guests, serving everything from crab cakes to surf and turf. The award-winning wine list is a connoisseur’s dream, sure to add the perfect complement to any entree. All of this, housed in one of the most popular casinos and hotels in Atlantic City, makes Bobby Flay Steak the “go to” spot for anyone planning a trip. While  here  catch  a great show!

Unique Asian Cuisine at Buddakan

Renowned for its modern Asian cuisine, Buddakan is the premier restaurant for elegant, casual dining. Buddakan is conveniently located near the boardwalk and across from Caesar’s Palace, right in the heart of Atlantic City. Serving dishes such as sweet and sour scallops, along with the extensive list of specialty sakes and signature cocktails, dining at Buddakan is sure to be a unique experience. The five-star cuisine, along with the prime location, makes this a great place to unwind after a day-long shopping trip, or to kick-off a long night full of gambling and sightseeing. If you’re looking for a place to host a large group, then look no further. Buddakan is the perfect spot for business lunches, with private party rooms available upon request.

Casual Dining at Café 2825

For those looking for a bit more of a casual dining experience, then Café 2825 is the place for you. Home cooked, Northern Italian style meals are made to order, completely from scratch. The wine list is beyond compare, featuring only the best imported Italian wines, as well as domestic Californian seasonal selections. The extensive entrée menu features homemade classics passed on through generations. Café 2825 is everything diners could expect from a rustic, Italian restaurant, and then some. Guests can immerse themselves in the home-like atmosphere and enjoy the wonderful smells emanating from the kitchen. Leave the hustle and bustle of Atlantic City behind and temporarily transport yourself to a quaint Italian villa. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcomed.

Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria – The “Best” North of the Border

Those of us touring Atlantic City with families and a budget, seeking something a little more kid-friendly, there’s Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria. Visitors have all agreed that this is, hands down, the best Mexican restaurant this far North of the border. Open from 11am-3pm daily, guests can slip in off the boardwalk, and enjoy some authentic Mexican cuisine. Patrons should be warned to bring their appetite, or at least bring a doggie bag. From the handcrafted tortillas, to the generously portioned goat tacos, and enchiladas; Pancho’s is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be expensive. A true diamond in the rough, Pancho’s interior can be deceiving. The tiny dining area and even smaller snack bar, may be misleading for some, but don’t be fooled by the cracked paint– Pancho’s is Mexican dining at its finest. For a taste of Mexico, without having to leave the country, be sure to check out Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria.

Grab a Few Cocktails at 28 West

Last, but certainly not least, is 28 West. Another winner housed in Borgata hotel, spa, and casino; 28 West is a kitchy nod to cocktail culture. Whether you’re there to grab a drink and a small bite to eat, or you’re looking to catch some of the best Atlantic City shows, 28 West is sure to be an affair to remember. World-class chefs work diligently to present classic, greasy, carbohydrate loaded dishes, in completely unique and elegant ways. The crab pretzel imperial and duck fat fries reinvent the idea of typical “bar food”, creating an explosion of flavor titillating to the taste buds. Friday and Saturdays live performers take the stage, and the place is transformed into a 1950’s-style lounge. No cocktail lounge would be complete without a list of signature cocktails, and 28 West does not disappoint. Classics such as martinis and whiskey sours, accompany 28 West’s modern takes – such as the Eva Peron, and Jameson Sour Melon, on their featured cocktail menu. If cocktails aren’t your thing, then 28 West also features a superb list of domestic and handcrafted imported beers, perfect to wash down a plate full of Thai chicken drumettes. Oozing with class and sophistication, 28 West is one of the best bars Atlantic City has to offer.

This list is in no way comprehensive. The sheer variety of restaurants and cuisines available in one small area is unsurpassed by few other cities. It was difficult narrowing the list down to only five restaurants, but most visitors will agree that every place listed here is not only the best in Atlantic City, but the best in the world. All of the establishments featured were selected for their unique dishes, phenomenal atmosphere, and exceptional drinks, which set them apart from all other restaurants in the area. Visitors are encouraged to explore everything Atlantic City has to offer, and perhaps even make their own top 5 list.